City council: Increased and new fees

IF YOU GO

WHAT: City council meeting

WHEN: 5 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: 107 W. Juan Linn St., council chamber

Victoria residents may soon pay more for their water to fund a controversial wastewater treatment plant.

The city council will hold the first reading of an ordinance that will increase base utility rates 47 cents to $17.96 for water and 58 cents to $22.43 for sewer services for residents with a -inch meter.

The additional revenue would help pay off the debt associated with the proposed Odem Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, on Hand Road between Ben Jordan and Odem streets.

The city had to start planning for the new plant after the regional treatment plant reached a 75 percent capacity for three consecutive months in 2005.

The plant has been opposed by nearby residents. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is still deciding whether to approve the city's permit for the wastewater plant.

In other budget action, the council is expected to look at new fees to pay for household hazardous waste collection and its curbside recycling programs.

The hazardous waste pick-up would cost residents 65 cents per month. The curbside recycling program would cost $1.28 per month.